The Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder, a joint project by SSE and Equinor, has become the first hydrogen-to-power initiative in the UK to secure planning consent. Located at the companies’ existing gas storage site on the East Yorkshire coast, the project aims to demonstrate the role of hydrogen in delivering flexible, low-carbon electricity.
ERM, a sustainability consultancy, supported the planning application as well as environmental permitting, safety assessments and marine licensing. The project will generate hydrogen via electrolysis using renewable electricity purchased through a Power Purchase Agreement. The hydrogen will be stored and later used in a hydrogen-fired open cycle gas turbine to supply power to the grid during periods of high demand.
The development is also expected to support hydrogen use in industry, heating, and transport sectors through future storage capacity. In addition to the Pathfinder project, ERM is involved in the consenting processes for the related Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage and Humber Hydrogen Pipeline projects.
These initiatives are part of wider regional efforts to establish a low-carbon hydrogen network and contribute to the UK’s broader decarbonisation goals.
